Well before the monsoon hits Bihar, the State Government has geared up to take all necessary steps to tackle perennial flood that affects the northern part of the State. The Government has set up well-equipped flood control rooms at all flood prone districts. The Government has asked officials in these centres to remain alert to meet any eventuality.
According to some international agencies, Bihar suffered one of its worst floods last year, affecting as many as nine districts in which about 300 people had died and standing crops and property worth about Rs 2,000 crore were damaged.
Taking serious note of the last year's devastation, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ordered early preparation to minimise damage this year. Recently, the Chief Minister held a video conferencing with the District Magistrates of 22 districts of north and central Bihar and took stock of the preparations.
The Chief Minister had also issued some specific instructions to the DMs regarding the flood control measures. "Keeping in mind the devastation of last year the State administration has decided to take optimum level of alertness even before the monsoon hits the State," said a disaster management department official. "We have to remain vigilant particularly in the districts and areas bordering Nepal," said the official.
According to officials, all senior district level officials, including the chief engineers of irrigation department, have been asked to remain present at the flood control rooms round the clock to give necessary direction to their field officers and staff.
"They have been asked to keep a watch on all river embankments on top priority basis," said disaster management officials.
Source: Amarnath Tewary From The Pioneer 10-Jun-08
